Every other night ritual -- bath with nice smelling bubbly stuff (such as Vitabath Green, lavender, sandalwood, -- vanilla and lavender's a nice combo, too), a good mystery or Barbara Pym (or Victorian or Edwardian -era erotica) to read and relax, and, more than wine or hot buttered rum in season, probably a margarita to sip. Water therapy on a regular basis -- no phone (now that I've taught Curmudgeon NOT to bring me the cordless when someone calls), something interesting but more or less mindless to read (as opposed to all the books, trade pubs, etc. I HAVE to read), a muscle relaxant to sip.

I also try to remind myself to spend more time petting one of the cats -- and not doing anything else at the same time. Really good for both the cat (Mortimer or Sabine) and ME!

During warm weather it's also good to find time to sit on the deck in the sun and gaze out at the flower garden and watch the hummingbirds and dragonflies. And NOT think of all the gardening work that needs to be done!

Linn